rahuldatta Reviews

Luck by Chance (2009)

A must see for lovers of quality cinema

[10/10 · 4 April 2009]

Every once in a while a film comes , which makes you wonder why there are not more of such ventures in Bollywood.

Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut "Luck by Chance" is one such movie , where , by careful viewing ( especially the second time ) , I realize that every dialogue , every scene and almost every expression of the actors is well thought of and executed.

I have seen the movie twice in theaters and am now watching it on the DVD , and am dumbstruck by the performances of the lead cast. Special mention here must be made about Konkana . She is absolutely marvelous in this movie . I know she is a natural performer , but in this movie , she does it with effortless ease , while knowing that this is a mainstream movie. Farhan Akhtar , in his second film , as an actor , proves yet again that he is such a gifted person. What a compelling performance.

I must say that the characterization is one of the high points of this enterprise. Not a single character is half-baked, which is a rare feat in movies . Rishi Kapoor and Dimple show off their histrionics and take you by surprise .

Watch this movie , and am sure you will relate to a few situations and characters completely. One of the best movies of 2009 , so far.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)

Brings a smile to your faces , go watch it with your family!

[10/10 · 11 December 2008]

I have just watched this movie at a local multiplex which was packed to its capacity! It certainly has Shah Rukh Khan in one of his career best performances! Aditya Chopra returns after 8 years and hasn't lost his magical touch of a talented storyteller. As a director , he has a strong grip on the proceedings and tells a story very effectively .

Excellent performances from the entire cast . Anushka makes a convincing debut , and exudes confidence. She has given a sparkling performances.

Watch this with your family & friends and enjoy this clean and enjoyable entertainer . Certainly one of the better movies of 2008

Ek Vivaah... Aisa Bhi (2008)

Worth watching !

[10/10 · 7 November 2008]

Just came back after watching this movie at a local multiplex and must say , this movie is so refreshingly different in all respects. There were just about 20-25 people in the 170 seater auditorium for the 11pm show in a Dubai multiplex.

It's a film which is so unlike our times . You may not find such people in your neighborhood or in your friends circle as they are so much rooted in Indian culture and tradition.

The performances are first rate . It is Isha Koppikar's best performance of her career so far. She looks gorgeous through the movie. Sonu Sood is fine , though I feel he could have been much better. Music is seeped in Indian classical / folk music and 2 songs deserve a special mention " Jhirmil Megha barse" and 'Mujhme Zinda Hai Woh" .

The situations in the second half of the movie will bring tears in your eyes. Such is the power of any Rajshri production that without making the scenes overtly dramatic , they are capable of making anyone's eyes moist.

Cinematography could have been much better . In this day and age the look of the film is important and in this department this film certainly scores very less. Dialogues are apt and powerful. Go, watch this movie if you want a slice of Indian culture and want to peep into the lives of noble , morally upright and virtuous people.

Highly Recommended !

Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008)

Delightful watch!

[10/10 · 4 July 2008]

Would not write a long review of the movie.

Just got back from watching this movie at a multiplex, sat in the front row , as it was house full ! What a delightful movie.....it's not that this movie is very different ..... it is a very simple movie , but told really well! Full marks to Abbas Tyrewala ( Director ) who handles it so well. Music is very good and some songs are very catchy.

Genelia is like a whiff of fresh air! Imran makes quite an impressive debut .

Go , watch it guys....and all those who have been to college will surely relate to the movie .....take a trip down the memory lane! Well done Aamir for backing such a movie

Saawariya (2007)

Visual treat!

[10/10 · 10 November 2007]

After having read bad to worse reviews for SAAWARIYA , I was in two minds whether I should go for the movie, but believe me , it was actually worth my time and money.

There is Cinema which is for masses ,then there are some which are for classes. The aesthetics of SAAWARIYA is almost perfect. As for the debutants - Ranbir and Sonam - all I can say is that its a very sincere effort from both of them and they score really well on most counts , considering its their first movie. Music is simply brilliant as I have already said in the Music review written earlier. SAAWARIYA is a film for people who love all aspects of the cinema, yes the writing is flawed .

I saw this movie here in Dubai , 8pm show...and the auditorium was almost 90% full.

Please don't go by the reviews of renowned critics, go for it if you feel you want to. And a sincere request to all people who have already written the obituary of SAAWARIYA, please do not mislead the public. This is certainly not an evergreen classic , but is certainly a good piece of artistic work which could have been better had the writing been more effective.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, hats off to you for believing in your craft and not bowing to commercial pressure. But we expected a much better story and screenplay.

Cheeni Kum (2007)

Thoroughly Entertaining! Recommended

[9/10 · 15 June 2007]

CHEENI KUM is a rare recent film which defies stereotypes and entertains you thoroughly from start to finish .It has excellent performances by an eminent cast and brilliant soundtrack by the maestro Illaiyaraja . Dialogues are one of the "stars" of this film. Wit and humor seen here has a certain freshness about it. Also , except some moments in the second half , where you feel there is a slackness in the pace and proceedings , you don't feel like going out of the auditorium even during songs. R.Balki , an adman , creative director of LOWE India , who has made some memorable ads in his career , has made a brilliant debut.Way to go Balki! And all those cine fans out there, go watch it. You won't be disappointed